7th Barnali Festival - Ratikant Mohapatra Calling

7th Barnali Festival
Photos: Ganesh Sahoo

March 7, 2025

The 7th edition of the two-day Barnali Festival, organized by Rudrakshya Foundation, concluded with grandeur at Utkal Rangamanch in Bhubaneswar, leaving an enduring impression on the audience. Celebrating the artistic vision of Guru Bichitrananda Swain and the excellence of his institution, the festival brought together a distinguished gathering, with eminent Odissi vocalist and musicologist Guru Ramahari Das and Rudrakshya Foundation president Ramprasad Akkisetti as honoured guests.

This year's festival was dedicated to the memory of Christopher Charles Benninger, a renowned architect and a devoted supporter of Rudrakshya Foundation, whose unwavering encouragement played a significant role in shaping the institution's journey.

The evening unfolded with three compelling dance presentations, each offering a unique artistic expression. Lipsa Satapathy captivated the audience with a solo performance, followed by a powerful duet by Samrat Dutta and Santanu Roy. The festival concluded with a dynamic group presentation by the talented repertory dancers of Rudrakshya Foundation.

Lipsa Satapathy

Lipsa Satapathy, a seasoned Odissi dancer, presented Dhira Samire Yamuna Teere, an Ashtapadi from Jayadeva's Geeta Govinda, with grace and sincerity. Her performance reflected a good command of technique and expression, making for a pleasant and engaging presentation. Her movements and her expressions conveyed the essence of the piece, reflecting her dedication to the art form.

While the performance was overall satisfying, the subtleties of abhinaya and the fluidity of execution could have been further refined to enhance its aesthetic impact. Given her immense potential, each of her performances naturally raises expectations, as she continues to evolve as an artiste. One cannot help but look forward to seeing her push the boundaries of her own artistry, bringing even greater depth and finesse to her work. As always, she carried herself with poise and elegance, looking absolutely radiant on stage.

Samrat Dutta & Santanu Roy

Following the solo presentation, the duet by Samrat Dutta and his disciple Santanu Roy left an indelible mark on the audience. Their powerful rendition of Dashamahavidya was so mesmerizing that even videographers and photographers, who usually move around capturing frames, remained glued to their seats. As their performance concluded, a profound silence filled the auditorium - an unmistakable sign of the audience being completely awe-struck. Even I found myself momentarily lost in its impact.

Samrat's journey in Bharatanatyam began under Guru Thankamani Kutty, who later guided him to train under the legendary Prof C. V. Chandrasekhar, recognizing the importance of learning from a male Guru. Watching Samrat perform, one can clearly see the depth and precision instilled by his training. It is remarkable how a Bengali dancer executes Bharatanatyam with such authenticity and finesse. His disciple Santanu, showcased his own remarkable skill, reflecting the rigorous training he has received.

Samrat Dutta & Santanu Roy

Their portrayal of Dashamahavidya was truly electrifying, with two standout moments. The first was the depiction of Devi Dhumavati, where Samrat, with his upper body bent at a perfect 90-degree angle parallel to the ground, moved across the stage in an awe-inspiring display of control and expression. The second came at the very end when the devotee worships the Devi - Samrat embodying the divine presence while Santanu played the devoted seeker. As Samrat slowly descended into Devi's final pose, fully internalizing her essence, an almost tangible energy radiated through the space, transporting the entire audience to another realm.

Dasamahavidya, choreographed by Samrat Dutta with Sanskrit research by Samipeshu Das and Debopam Das, was set to Ragamalika and Talamalika. The presentation went beyond merely illustrating the Dhyana Mantras of the ten Devis; it profoundly reflected the essence of human life, emotions, and the gradual journey toward ultimate completeness.

Rudrakshya ensemble

The evening culminated with Samudra Manthan, a group Odissi presentation by the repertory dancers of Rudrakshya Foundation. Their well-coordinated performance, marked by effective space utilization, created a visually engaging experience. Among the talented ensemble, Santosh Ram and Samir Kumar Panigrahi stood out for their exceptional artistry, while Lipsa Satapathy, portraying Mohini, captivated the audience with her graceful presence.

Bringing mythology to life, the choreography unfolded key moments of the legendary tale with clarity, making it a compelling spectacle for the spectators. Guru Bichitrananda Swain's choreographic vision was beautifully complemented by the evocative music composition of Guru Ramahari Das and Matruprasad Das, while the script, meticulously crafted by Sanskrit scholar Pandit Nityananda Mishra, added depth to the narrative. Enhancing the theatricality, Avijit Biswal's lighting design played a crucial role in setting the mood and atmosphere. The evening was expertly anchored by Dr. Srinivas Ghatuary, whose eloquence and deep connection to both art and literature enriched the overall experience.

The Barnali Festival took place over two days, on the 13th and 14th of February 2025. However, this reviewer was able to attend only the second day. The observations and review presented here are solely based on the experience of witnessing the performances on that particular day.

Ratikant Mohapatra, as Director of Srjan and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Communication, and Indic Studies at Sri Sri University, stands as a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance. With a career spanning over 40 years, his artistry as a dancer, choreographer, and educator has profoundly shaped Odissi's journey. Under his guidance, Srjan has earned national and global acclaim, merging neo-classical innovation with traditional grace. Honoured with the Central and State Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and a Guinness World Record for orchestrating 555 Odissi dancers, his legacy reflects a steadfast dedication to the evolution and timeless beauty of Odissi.

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